RSS Feed
|
|
|||||
|
Play-in bracket could give losers second lease on life A quick three-game sweep of Fort Mill in the opening round of the American Legion playoffs a few weeks ago guarantees Post 109 a spot in a play-in bracket for the state tournament. Team director Jug Wallace learned of the bracket after receiving a phone call from an American Legion baseball official. Although he would prefer Post 109 earn its way into the state tournament, Wallace said it was a good opportunity for his team and others to keep their seasons alive. "There is no substitute for winning," Wallace said. "But I think this is a good idea for the teams here in the Upper State. Each one is worthy of being in the state tournament." The decision was made due to the number of series currently taking place in the Upper State bracket. Six teams- Richland, Spartanburg, Inman, Greenwood, Irmo and Gaffney- are playing to earn a spot in the tournament. However, officials decided to install a play-in bracket for the three teams eliminated in the second round to battle it out for the Upper State's last ticket to the state championship in Florence. "Each team up here is tough, and our team knew that," Wallace said. "Regardless of who we have to play, all of them are going to be tough. These teams did not get to the second round for no reason." Nothing will be settled as far as match-ups, dates and location of the play-in bracket until each of the three series conclude. At the moment, Greenwood needs a win to ensure a winner take all game five against Inman. On the other hand, Richland and Spartanburg are deadlocked at a game apiece. "The weather is the problem," Wallace said. "Honestly, we don't know when any of the series is going to be finished. All of them have had at least one rain-out and it could happen again this weekend. But we will see." Post 109 is seeking its fifth consecutive trip to the state tourney. Last year, the team came within a game of winning the championship, falling to Richland County. AMERICAN LEGION PLAYOFFS BEST-OF-FIVE SERIES Irmo 14, Gaffney 10Irmo 8, Gaffney 3 Gaffney 10, Irmo 9 Friday- Irmo at Gaffney 7 p.m.-Commissioner's Field Saturday (if necessary) Gaffney at Irmo 7 p.m. |
for larger version       |
||||
